With spring weather (finally) arriving, there has been a noted increase in the number of vehicles and pedestrians out and about.

This is a good time to remind everyone that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. While texting behind the wheel tops the list of what seems like endless distractions, other actions can prove to be just as unsafe. These actions include setting your navigation system while driving, changing radio stations, drinking coffee, applying makeup, dealing with the kids, and more.

If you are driving distracted, you are depriving yourself of important seconds that may be needed to avoid a close call or a serious accident.

Some basic steps that you can take to avoid being distracted while you drive include:

• If you need to send or read a text, pull over and park your car;
• Make your passenger your "designated texter;"
• Do not scroll through social media while driving;
• Phone use while driving can be a difficult habit to break. If this is a challenge for you, consider placing your phone in the trunk, glovebox or backseat until you arrive at your destination;
• If there is a situation inside your vehicle that requires your attention from the roadway, find a safe location to pull over.

Officers will be out on patrol, focusing on distracted driving violations this month. Our goal, with your cooperation, is to reduce the number of serious and fatal accidents caused by those driving distracted.

Thank you and please be safe.

Eric Passarelli

Police Chief